The American Lung Association Offers Health Tips To Residents Affected By California Wildfires

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Also Included In: Aid / Disasters;  Asbestos / Mesothelioma
Article Date: 31 Oct 2007 - 14:00 PDT

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The American Lung Association offers a variety of resources for those affected by the wildfires still burning in Southern California. The following links contain useful information on breathing guidelines, air-filtering machines, and protective masks:

From the American Lung Association

- California Fires - Tips to Protect Your Lungs

Resources from the American Lung Association of California

- For the most up-to-date tips and information go to here.

- Ozone-Emitting Air Cleaners Threaten Lung Health article

- General Air Cleaning Device News Release

- Free poster/ad regarding air cleaning devices

Resources from the Environmental Protection Agency

- Air Cleaners

- Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home - PDF (October 2007)

As clean-up efforts begin in the aftermath of the fires, residents and volunteers should keep the following in mind, as the process involves ashes and other particulates:

- People with lung or heart problems should avoid clean-up activities and areas where dust or soot is present.

- Thoroughly wet dusty and sooty areas prior to clean-up. This will help to reduce the amount of particles becoming airborne.

- Wear an appropriate dust mask during clean-up.

- If exposure to asbestos or other hazardous materials is suspected, do not disturb the area. Dust masks do not protect against asbestos.

http://www.lungusa.org